KR20070067153A - Electronic device with three movable layers - Google Patents

Abstract

The disclosed embodiments provide devices and methods for movably connecting module layers of an electronic device (12) to discretely actuate a first predetermined operational mode while locking out other predetermined operational modes. In one embodiment, for example, an electronic device includes a first module layer movable in a first direction and a second module layer movably connected relative to the first module layer. Further, a third module layer is movably connected relative to the second module layer and movable in a second direction. Additionally, a locking member is engageable with the third module layer to prevent movement in the second direction during movement of the first module layer in the first direction. The locking member (10) may also be engageable with the first module layer to prevent movement in the first direction during movement of the third module layer in the second direction.

Description

ELECTRONIC DEVICE WITH THREE MOVABLE LAYERS}

The disclosed embodiment relates to a portable electronic device, and more particularly, to an apparatus and a method for controlling relative movement between layers of an electronic device.

Portable electronic devices such as cell phones, pagers, handheld computers, personal digital assistants ("PDAs") and handheld game machines are becoming increasingly popular for both business and personal use. One advantage of these devices is their small size, light weight, portability due to battery power or wireless operation, and in some cases the ability to communicate wirelessly. This feature allows portable electronic devices to be used whenever and wherever a user desires.

However, due to the increasing popularity of these devices, it is not uncommon for a user to carry more than one device at the same time. For example, a user may wear a mobile phone and a two-way pager on his belt, while at the same time carrying a PDA in his pocket and a game machine in his bag. As such, having individual devices perform each service or function creates a problem for a user who needs more than one or two services / functions provided by these portable devices.

Designers realized the problem of device proliferation and eventually tried to combine multiple services or functions into a single device. In this way, the user may only need a terminal device having multiple modes of operation corresponding to the desired number of services or functions. However, one disadvantage of integrating many modes of operation into a single device is that each service or function usually has an established configuration, including the overall shape, number of components, and specific types. For example, a mobile phone generally includes a telephone keypad consisting of twelve keys, one by one numeric keys 0-9 and individual letter keys "*" and "#". In addition, mobile phones are generally oriented such that the display unit is disposed above the keypad in a direction in which the length extends on the vertical axis so that the alphanumeric or graphical output of the display can be read by the user in this direction. In contrast, a two-way pager usually includes an alphanumeric keyboard, such as a QWERTY keyboard, which may include twice as many keys as a telephone keypad. In addition, the two-way pager has a display having a width greater than the length normally seen in use. In an attempt to combine services / functions, designers need a surface area on which this established direction and component set can be installed. The demand for increased surface area contends with the overall goal of maintaining a device having a small and portable size.

A pending patent application No. 10 / 718,125, filed Nov. 19, 2003 entitled "Portable Device with Multi-use Keyboard," of Agent No. 040101, addresses the problem of combining multiple configurations by creating a device with multiple functional layers. present. In such a device, each layer can have a first or neutral position that can overlap with other layers to form a compact electronic device. In addition, each layer may form a further mode of operation by having a second position at which a particular function associated with that layer operates.

One problem with portable devices having such multiple functional component layers is that they can operate two or more layers simultaneously. The resulting operation of two or more modes of operation can be confusing to the user and can cause operational problems within the electronic device.

Thus, a portable electronic device having multiple functional component layers, which provides separate operation between predetermined operating modes, is desirable.

According to one aspect, the disclosed embodiments provide a system and method for controlling relative movement between layers of an electronic device.

In an embodiment, the electronic device may include a first module layer movable in a first direction, a second module layer movably connected to the first module layer, and a second module layer movably connected to the second module layer. A third module layer movable in a direction, and a locking member capable of engaging with the third module layer to prevent movement in the second direction during movement of the first module layer in the first direction.

In another embodiment, the portable electronic device includes a first module layer movable in a first direction, a second module layer movably connected to the first module layer, and a second direction movably connected to the second module layer. A third module layer movable in the first direction, first means for enabling a first relative movement between the first module layer and the second module layer in the first direction, and the second module layer and the second direction in the second direction A second means for enabling a second relative movement between third module layers and simultaneously locking said first means to prevent said first relative sliding movement.

In another embodiment, the portable electronic device includes a first component layer movable in a first direction and a second component layer having a first set of functional components. The second component layer is movably connected relative to the first component layer such that movement of the first component layer in the first direction exposes the first set of functional components to activate a first mode of operation. The apparatus also includes a third component layer having a second set of functional components and movably connected to one of the first component layer and the second component layer. The third component layer is also movable in a second direction with respect to the second component layer to expose a second set of functional components to activate the second mode of operation. Additionally, the apparatus includes a locking system having a first engagement position during the first mode of operation and a second engagement position during the second mode of operation. In the first engagement position the locking system is operable to engage the third component layer to prevent the second mode of operation, and in the second engagement position the locking system is engaged with the first component layer to engage the first. Operate to block the operation mode.

In yet another embodiment, the communication device is a first module layer movable in a first direction, a second module layer movably connected to the first module layer, and a second module layer movably connected to the second module layer And a third module layer movable in the direction. The apparatus also includes a first constrained structure defined in the first layer of the first module layer, the second module layer, and the third module layer, and the first module layer, the second module layer, and the third module layer. The second restriction structure defined in the second layer. In addition, the apparatus includes a locking member having a body that can connect with the remaining layers of the first module layer, the second module layer and the third module layer. The locking member is in contact with the first confinement structure to enable movement of the first module layer in the first direction and to prevent movement of the third module layer in the second direction. In addition, the locking member is in contact with the second limiting structure to enable movement of the third module layer in the second direction and to prevent movement of the first module layer in the first direction. In addition, the apparatus may display a display presenting information to a user having a first orientation when the first module layer moves in the first direction and having a second orientation when the third module layer moves in the second direction. Include.

In another embodiment, a method of controlling relative movement between movable layers of an electronic device may include the first module layer such that the relative movement in a first direction of the first module layer exposes a first functional component. Movably connecting to a second module layer having components. The method also includes movably connecting the second module layer to the third module layer with the second functional component such that relative movement of the third module layer in a second direction exposes a second functional component. Include. In addition, the method includes preventing movement of the third module layer in the second direction during movement of the first module layer in the first direction.

In a further embodiment, a method of controlling the operation of operational modes of an electronic device exposes a first set of functional components associated with a first operational mode of the electronic device on a second module layer movably connected to a first module layer. It includes a step. The method also includes exposing a second set of functional components associated with a second mode of operation of the electronic device onto a third module layer movably connected to the second module layer. The method also includes preventing exposure of the other of the first set of functional components and the second set of functional components during exposure of one of the first set of functional components and the second set of functional components.

Additional aspects and advantages of the disclosed embodiments are set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part may be obvious from the description or may be learned by practice of the disclosed embodiments. In addition, aspects and advantages of the disclosed embodiments may be realized and achieved by means and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

The disclosed embodiments are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are provided to illustrate but not limit the disclosed embodiments, wherein like reference numerals designate like elements.

1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an electronic device having a plurality of module layers in a first or neutral position that may correspond to a first mode of operation.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the electronic device of FIG. 1 in which the upper module layer activates the second mode of operation by moving in the first direction with respect to the remaining module layers. FIG.

3 is a perspective view of the electronic device of FIG. 1 in which the lower module layer activates the third mode of operation by moving in the second direction with respect to the remaining module layers.

FIG. 4 is a rear view of the electronic device corresponding to FIG. 2 and illustrates an embodiment of a part of a locking system for controlling relative movement between module layers.

FIG. 5 is a rear view of the electronic device corresponding to FIG. 3 and illustrates an embodiment of a part of a locking system for controlling relative movement between module layers.

6 is an exploded perspective view of the electronic device of FIG. 1, with some items removed and includes an embodiment of a locking system for controlling relative movement between module layers.

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the electronic device corresponding to FIG. 2, with some items removed and includes an embodiment of a locking system for controlling relative movement between module layers. FIG.

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the electronic device corresponding to FIG. 3, with some items removed and includes an embodiment of a locking system for controlling relative movement between module layers.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the electronic device corresponding to FIG. 2 and includes an embodiment of a connection mechanism between upper and middle module layers. FIG.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the electronic device corresponding to FIG. 3 and includes an embodiment of a connection mechanism between the middle and lower module layers. FIG.

11 is an exploded perspective view of another electronic device including another locking system for controlling relative movement between module layers.

12 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the connection mechanism of FIGS. 9 and 10.

The disclosed embodiments include an apparatus and method for controlling relative movement between layers of an electronic device.

1-10, in one embodiment, the layer locking system 10 (FIGS. 4-8) controls the relative movement of portions of the electronic device 12, and the electronic device 12 displays a number of functionalities. It has a number of movably interconnected module layers 14, 16, 18 that provide to the device 12. 1 and 6, for example, the electronic device 12 has a module layer 14, 16, 18 in which the directional keypad 24, 26 and the display unit are located on the surface of the electronic device 12. A first set of components 20, such as 22, may have a first mode of operation, such as a game mode, when located in a first or neutral position that may be used. 2 and 7, the electronic device 12 includes a second module layer in which the first module layer 14 moves in the first direction 28 with respect to the second and third module layers 16 and 18. It may have a second mode of operation, such as a telephone or audio communication mode, when exposing a first set of additional components 30 such as telephone keypad 31 and microphone 32 on (16). 3 and 8, in the electronic device 12, the third module layer 18 moves in the second direction 34 with respect to the first and second module layers 14 and 16 to form a third device. It may have a third mode of operation, such as a pager or text communication mode, when revealing a second set of additional functional components 36, such as the QWERTY keyboard 38 on the module layer 18. The locking system 10 interacts with each module layer 14, 16, 18 to limit the predetermined relative movement between the module layers 14, 16, 18 during operation to enable individual operation in a single mode of operation. In other words, the locking system 10 enables a predetermined relative movement of the module layers 14, 16, 18 in the direction associated with the selected mode of operation while preventing other movements by preventing relative movement in one or more predetermined other directions. Lock the modes. Thus, the locking system 10 provides the electronic device 12 with a number of separate modes of operation while at the same time avoiding problems associated with attempting to operate two or more modes of operation simultaneously.

4-8, the locking system 10 is associated with each module layer 14, 16, 18 that acts in combination to enable certain relative movements while at the same time operating the selected mode of operation while preventing other relative movements. It may include at least one limiting member (40, 42, 44). In one embodiment, specifically referring to FIGS. 6-8, for example, the restricting member 44 penetrates through the restricting member 42, such as a unidirectional slot, in the intermediate module layer 16 in the upper module layer 14. It may have an elongated member form, such as a pin or rod at any intersection that extends to the limiting member 40, such as a bidirectional slot. In this embodiment, the unidirectional slot 42 includes side walls extending through the entire thickness of the intermediate module layer 16 to form through holes having a length in the second direction 34. The bidirectional slot 40 includes side walls and top walls that form grooves in the bottom surface of the upper module layer 14. In addition, the bidirectional slot 40 includes a first slot portion 46 having a length in the first direction 28 in connection with a second slot portion 48 having a length in the second direction 34. As such, the first slot portion 46 activates the second mode of operation by moving the upper module layer 14 in the first direction 28 to cause the pin or rod 44 to move along its length (FIG. 7). In addition, during operation of the second mode of operation, the sidewalls of the first slot portion 46 prevent operation of the third mode of operation by substantially limiting or hindering movement of the pins or rods 44 in the second direction 34. Block it. That is, in this embodiment, the first slot portion 46 in combination with the pins or rods 44 is the upper module layer 14 to the middle and / or lower module layers 16, 18 in the first direction 28. Enable movement of the substrate and at the same time substantially limit or hinder the movement of the lower module layer 18 relative to the intermediate and / or upper module layers 16, 14 in the second direction 34. Similarly, the second slot portion 48 activates the third mode of operation by moving the lower module layer 18 in the second direction 34 to cause the pins or rods 44 to move along its length (FIG. 8). Reference). In addition, during operation of the third mode of operation, the sidewalls of the second slot portion 46 prevent operation of the second mode of operation by substantially limiting or hindering movement of the pins or rods 44 in the first direction 28. Block it. That is, in this embodiment, the second slot portion 48 in combination with the pins or rods 44 is the lower module layer 18 for the middle and / or upper module layers 16, 14 in the second direction 34. Enable movement of the substrate and at the same time substantially limit or hinder the movement of the upper module layer 14 relative to the middle and / or lower module layers 16, 18 in the first direction 28. As used herein, the term "substantially restrictive" refers to minimizing relative movement in a given direction such that the operating mode associated with the relative movement in the predetermined direction is inoperative.

Suitable materials for forming the limiting members 40, 42, 44 include metals, plastics, composites, ceramics, and combinations thereof. The limiting members 40, 42, 44 may be formed integrally with the respective module layers 14, 16, 18 or may be separately formed and attached. The limiting members 40, 42, 44 may be attached by mechanical methods such as screws, nails, rivets, dies, sonic welding, etc., as well as by chemical methods such as joining.

The restricting members 40, 42, 44 are structured to enable the operation of various operating modes of the electronic device 12 at any position or in any combination with respect to the respective module layers 14, 16, 18. Each can be arranged. For example, other embodiments may include pins / rods that are connected to the upper module layer 14 while bi-directional slots are formed in the lower module layer 18. In addition, the relative position of each limiting member 40, 42, 44 in each module layer 14, 16, 18 may vary. For example, pins / rods may be placed anywhere on the module layer surface that has moved corresponding to the locations of unidirectional and bidirectional slots on each layer. Slots may also have different lengths depending on the size of the surface area on each layer that is desired to be revealed by several relative movements. In addition, the bidirectional slot may be L-shaped as described above, or may include a "+" shape to achieve the additional operation mode by moving in two different directions along the same axis. For example, referring to FIG. 11, one embodiment of the electronic device 13 passes from the upper module layer 14 through the unidirectional slot 43 of the middle module layer 16 to the bidirectional direction of the lower module layer 18. Locking system 11 having pins / rods 45 extending into slot 41. The bidirectional slot 43 moves the first module layer 14 in a first direction 28 parallel to the axis 27 and in the opposite direction 29 to activate two different modes of operation while at the same time Preventing operation of the operating mode associated with at least relative movement in the second direction 34. In addition, the bi-directional slot 43 allows the third module layer 18 to move in the second direction 34 and opposite direction 35 parallel to the axis 33 to activate two different modes of operation while at the same time the upper module. Preventing operation of the operating mode associated with relative movement of the layer 14 in at least the first direction 28. Further, in another embodiment, the locking system 10 and / or the limiting members 40, 42, 44 may be referred to as “Methods and Devices for Controlling Relative Movement Between Layers of an Electronic Device” in Agent List 040167. It may also include all or part of the locking system and the limiting member structure disclosed in US application 10 / 945,577 filed on September 20, 2004.

4, 5, 9 and 10, the connection mechanisms 50, 52, 54, 56 may further form part of the locking system 10 and assist the locking system 10. It should be noted that it may be. One or more connection mechanisms 50, 52, 54, 56 can be used to movably connect the module layers 14, 16, 18 so that various relative movements can be achieved. For example, in one embodiment the connection mechanism 50, 52 movably connects the upper and middle module layers 14, 16 for relative movement in the first direction 28, while the connection mechanism 54 56 movably connects the middle and lower module layers 16, 18 for relative movement in the second direction 34. In this example, the connection mechanism 54, 56 is relative to the first direction 28 between the middle and lower module layers 16, 18 during the relative movement of the upper module layer 14 in the first direction 28. The locking system 10 can be assisted by preventing movement. As such, during the movement of the upper module layer 14 in the first direction 28 to activate the second mode of operation (see FIG. 7), the side walls of the unidirectional slot 42 constrain the pin or rod 44. Thereby substantially limiting or hindering the relative movement of the middle and lower module layers 16, 18 in the first direction 28, while the connection mechanisms 54, 56 also have intermediate and lower module layers 16, 18. It may serve to substantially limit or hinder the relative movement in the first direction (28). As a result, there is a separate actuation of the second mode of operation that provides the user with tangible feedback. Whether the pin / slot and the connection mechanism or one of the two during operation of the second mode of operation binds the middle and lower module layers 16, 18 to limit their relative movement in the first direction 28. Depends on various factors such as dimensional characteristics and tolerances. In addition, the pins or rods 44 are movably connected to the upper module layer 14, thereby efficiently providing a movable relationship between the middle and lower module layers 16, 18 guided by the restricting member 42. It should be noted that connection mechanisms 54 and 56 may not be necessary if so. Alternatively, the slot 42 and pin / rod 44 interactions described above during the operation of the second mode of operation allow for relative movement of the middle and lower module layers 16, 18 in the first direction 28. When acting as a limiter, the connection mechanisms 54 and 56 may allow for relative movement in any direction between these two layers.

Similarly, the connection mechanisms 50, 52 allow for relative movement in the second direction 34 between the upper and middle module layers 14, 16 during the relative movement of the lower module layer 18 in the second direction 34. By preventing the locking system 10 can be assisted. As such, during the movement of the lower module layer 18 in the second direction 34 to operate the third mode of operation (see FIG. 8), the sidewalls of the unidirectional slot 42 and the second slot portion 48 are removed. Allows the pin or rod 44 to move in the second direction 34, while the connection mechanisms 50, 52 allow the relative movement of the upper and middle module layers 14, 16 to the second direction 34. To restrict or hinder. Again, the result is a separate actuation of the third mode of operation that provides the user with tangible feedback. In addition, the connection mechanisms 50, 52 are not at all when the slot 40, 42 and pin or rod 44 interactions described above serve to limit the relative movement of the upper and middle module layers 14, 16. It should be noted that it may not be necessary or may allow relative movement in either direction between these two layers.

The connection mechanisms 50, 52, 54, 56 may include various types of magnetic connectors and mechanical connectors. In one embodiment, for example with reference to FIG. 12, the connection mechanism 50 or 52 or 54 or 56 may be movably connected to the rail member 60 to move along the length of the rail member 60. Carrier body 58. The carrier body 58 may be fixedly attached to one module layer 14, 16, 18, for example by mechanical or chemical fixation, while the rail member 60 is fixed in a similar manner to an adjacent module layer. Can be attached to provide the desired relative movement between layers. 4, 5, 9 and 10, the rail members associated with the connection mechanism 50, 52 have a length extending parallel to the first direction 28, while the connection mechanism 54, 56 The rail members associated with have a length extending parallel to the second direction 34. As such, each carrier body 58 may move in the opposite direction along the length of each rail. Specifically, referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the rail member 60 is positioned parallel and / or perpendicular to the restricting members 40, 42 depending on the particular module layer, the configuration of the restricting member and the desired direction of relative movement. You may. As such, each rail member and carrier body associated with the connection mechanism 50, 52, 54, 56 in this embodiment are respectively upper and intermediate modules substantially perpendicular to the relative movement of the intermediate and lower module layers 16, 18. Provide relative movement of layers 14, 16. In this embodiment the connection mechanisms 50, 52, 54, 56 are presented as bidirectional sliding connectors, but these connection members may provide movement along two or more axes in two or more planes, the movement being linear and / or rotational movement. It should be noted that it may include a. In addition, the connection mechanisms 50, 52, 54, 56 may comprise metals, plastics, composites and ceramics, which may be integrally formed with the respective module layers 14, 16, 18 and mechanical or chemical methods. Can also be attached separately via.

Although shown as including three layers, the electronic device 12 may also include several module layers, each of which may include one or more sets of functional components associated with one or more modes of operation. One or more modes of operation move device 12, satellite or wireless telephone or audio communication device, gaming device, personal digital assistant ("PDA"), pager or text communication device, global positioning system ("GPS"), and other It can be used as one or more of a remote control device for controlling the system, an audio player and / or recorder device such as an MP3 player or a digital recorder, a static or dynamic video player and / or recorder device, a calculator device, and the like. For example, device 12 may be code division multiple access ("CDMA"), wideband code division multiple access ("WCDMA"), global mobile communication system ("GSM"), amplifier mobile phone service when used as a mobile phone. Hardware, software and / or firmware for transmitting and / or receiving communication related signals using protocols such as " AMPS " and time division multiple access (" TDMA ").

One or more component sets associated with each layer of device 12, such as module layers 14, 16, 18 may include one or more of a plurality of types of functional components. These sets of components include external components such as input and output type mechanisms and internal components such as transistors, chips, firmware, memory, software and processing units configured for one or more modes of operation of the circuit board and device 12. It includes. For example, as described above, the first set of components 20 may include a display 22, which may be any type of text and / or graphics, such as a liquid crystal display, a light emitting diode display, a touch screen, or the like. It also includes an output (and / or input). The directional keypad 24, 26 includes a toggle key, navigation keys and other individual or multiple function keys related to the movement control of graphics on the display 22 or the generation of input signals to the device 12. The first set of components 20 also includes audio speakers 66 (FIG. 1) that output audio signals, such as near and / or far-field speakers; One or more indicator lights 68, 70 (FIG. 1) that signal the status of the device 12; Operation keys 72 and 74 such as on / off or disconnect keys (FIG. 1); A volume key 76 for increasing or decreasing the volume of the speaker, such as the near field speaker 66; A push-to-talk button 78 (FIG. 2) for transmitting a voice signal in a walkie-talkie type telephone mode; Record key 80 (FIG. 2) which activates the voice recorder function; Speaker / microphone input 82 (FIG. 2) to accommodate a remote audio speaker and / or microphone connection mechanism; Camera mechanism 84 (FIGS. 4 and 5) for taking still or video pictures; A test port 86 (FIGS. 4 and 5) that connects test or monitoring equipment, such as radio frequency (“RF”) signaling equipment, to the setup, repair, or test device 12; An IR transceiver 88 (FIGS. 4 and 5) transmitting and / or receiving data by infrared (“IR”) waves; A battery pack 90 (FIGS. 4 and 5) providing wireless power to the device 12; A power / data connector 92 (FIGS. 4 and 5) for operating the device 12 and / or recharging the battery pack 90 to establish a wiring connection to a power source for transmitting and / or receiving data; And other components, such as an antenna mechanism 94 (FIG. 1) for transmitting and / or receiving communication signals associated with one or more modes of the apparatus 12. Similarly, the first and second additional component sets 30, 36 may include other functional components of any of the above-described components associated with the desired mode of operation. It should be noted that the components associated with device 12 may be placed on any layer in any combination to achieve the desired configuration for each mode of operation of device 12.

In operation, for example, the various modes of operation of the device 12 are controlled by the relative positioning of each layer of the device 12. The method of controlling the relative movement between these layers enables the relative movement to expose the various functional components associated with each layer by movably interconnecting the various module layers. In addition, to provide a distinctive operation of the individual modes of operation, the apparatus also includes a locking mechanism that prevents movement between the predetermined layers during the operation of the predetermined mode.

In this embodiment, for example, referring again to FIGS. 1-5, the first mode of operation of the electronic device 12 may be activated by pressing one or a predetermined sequence of keys external to the device 12. For example, the first operating mode may correspond to one or more of a game mode, a PDA mode, a camera mode, a GPS mode, a calculator mode, a data transmission mode, and / or a telephone standby mode. The first set of components 20 can be used in various combinations to achieve the desired functionality of this mode. For example, when operating as a game machine in this first mode, the device 12 is held so that its width is the longest dimension, and the direction keys 24 and 26 are used for control of the game function. In addition, in connection with the operation of this mode, the device 12 may present text and / or graphics output from the display 22 in a predetermined direction based on the selected operation mode. So, for example, the text / graphics of the game mode may be 90 degrees to the text / graphics of the telephone or PDA mode. In addition, the first set of components 20 may be more than one, such as in a telephone standby mode where output may be generated by one or more of the display 22, the indicator lights 68, 70, and the speaker 66, for example. You can also function simultaneously in mode. The user can switch the device 12 to the telephone mode by sliding the upper module layer 14 in the first direction 28 or by pressing the incoming key 74 to answer the call. In the PDA mode, the user may view data from the display 22 and generate input by pressing any key or button. The display 22 may also be a touch screen display that enables additional input. In camera mode, the user may manipulate the camera 84 (FIGS. 4 and 5) to take a still picture or video, which is received by the microphone 32 (FIG. 2) and associated with the picture or video. You can also record audio signals. In addition, in the data transfer mode, data is received by the device 12 through one or more of the test port 86 (FIGS. 4 and 5), the IR transceiver 88, and the power / data connector 92 or the device ( 12).

The user activates a second mode of operation, such as telephone mode (FIG. 2) by moving the upper module layer 14 in the first direction 28 to reveal the telephone keypad 31. During this phase of operation, locking system 10 (FIG. 7) prevents further relative movement between the remaining layers involved in the operation of the further mode of operation. In the telephone mode, the hardware, software and / or firmware in the device 12 recognizes the operation of this mode and places the output of the display 22 in a direction aligned for use with the telephone keypad 31. The device 12 also operates predetermined internal circuitry related to the functionality of this mode, such as communication hardware and software for transmitting and receiving wireless signals. The user can communicate by speaking into the microphone 32 and listening to the speaker 66. In addition, additional telephone related functions can be performed by key presses of the telephone keypad 31 and the transfer key 74 or by using the directional keypad 24 or 26. This mode can be turned off, for example, by sliding the upper module layer 14 back to the neutral position (FIG. 1) or by pressing the off key 72.

Referring to FIG. 3, the user activates the pager or two-way text communication mode by moving the lower module layer 18 in the second direction 34 to reveal the QWERTY keyboard 38. During this stage of operation, locking system 10 (Figure 8) prevents further relative movement between the remaining layers associated with the operation of further modes of operation. In this mode, the hardware, software and / or firmware in the device 12 recognizes the operation of this mode and places the output of the display 22 in a direction aligned for use with the QWERTY keyboard 38. The device 12 also operates predetermined internal circuitry related to the functionality of this mode, such as communication hardware and software for transmitting and receiving wireless signals. The user can communicate, for example, by reading a received text message output by the display 22 or by entering a character from the keyboard 38 and sending it to another device via the transmit key 74. This mode can be turned off, for example, by sliding the lower module layer 18 back to the neutral position or by pressing the off key 72.

As such, the above-described embodiments provide an apparatus and method for controlling the operation of the mode of operation of device 12 by allowing certain relative movements between specific module layers while limiting other predetermined relative movements between other module layers. to provide. The locking system associated with each module layer is configured to control these various relative movements. While the various embodiments disclosed are illustrated and described, the subject matter is not limited to these embodiments. Various modifications, changes, adaptations, substitutions and equivalents will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosed embodiments as set forth in the claims.

Claims (37)

As an electronic device, A first module layer movable in a first direction; A second module layer movably connected with respect to the first module layer; A third module layer movably connected to the second module layer and movable in a second direction; And And a locking member that can engage the third module layer to prevent movement in the second direction during movement of the first module layer in the first direction. The method of claim 1, And the locking member is further engaged with the first module layer to prevent movement in the first direction during movement of the third module layer in the second direction. The method of claim 2, And further including a first limiting part and a second limiting part respectively defined in each of the first module layer, the second module layer, and the third module layer. And the locking member is in contact with the locking member to permit relative movement of the first module layer in the first direction and to prevent relative movement of the third module layer in the second direction. The method of claim 3, wherein Said first restricting portion comprising a first wall having a first longitudinal axis extending in said first direction, said second restricting portion comprising a second wall having a second longitudinal axis extending in said second direction Electronic device. The method of claim 4, wherein One of the first wall or the second wall further comprises a third wall having a third longitudinal axis extending in one of the first direction or the second direction. The method of claim 5, At least one of the first wall, the second wall and the third wall defines a slot defining an opening that completely passes through a corresponding layer of the first module layer, the second module layer and the third module layer. An electronic device, characterized in that. The method of claim 2, The first module layer comprises a first set of functional components, the second module layer comprises a second set of functional components, the third module layer comprises a third set of functional components, and the apparatus A first operating mode using a first set of functional components, a second operating mode using the second set of functional components, and a third operating mode using the third set of functional components, wherein each operating mode comprises the first module layer And operate based on a predetermined relative position of the second module layer and the third module layer. The method of claim 7, wherein The first operation mode, the second operation mode and the third operation mode may include an audio communication mode, a text communication mode, a personal digital assistant mode and a game mode, a global positioning system ("GPS") mode, a remote control device mode, An electronic device selected from the group consisting of an audio player or recorder mode, a static or dynamic video player or recorder device and a calculator mode. The method of claim 8, And the second set of functional components may be exposed when the first module layer defines the second mode of operation by moving in the first direction with respect to the second module layer. The method of claim 8, The third set of functional components may be exposed when the third module layer defines the third operating mode by moving in the second direction with respect to the second module layer. The method of claim 2, And a first connector connecting the first module layer and the second module layer, wherein the first connector enables at least linear movement substantially parallel to the first direction. The method of claim 11, And a second connector connecting the second module layer and the third module layer, wherein the second connector enables linear movement substantially parallel to the second direction. The method of claim 2, And the first direction and the second direction are substantially perpendicular. The method of claim 2, And a communication module having inputs and outputs for receiving and transmitting wireless signals, respectively. The method of claim 2, And a display for presenting information to the user. The method of claim 15, The information has a first direction when the first module layer moves in the first direction with respect to the second module layer and has a second direction when the third module layer moves in the second direction with respect to the second module layer. Electronic device characterized by having a directivity. The method of claim 2, The second module layer further includes a first input mechanism that may be exposed when the first module layer moves in the first direction with respect to the second module layer, wherein the third module layer is the third module layer. And a second input mechanism that can be exposed when is moved in the second direction with respect to the second module layer. The method of claim 17, And a display for presenting information to a user, wherein the information has a first direction when the first input mechanism is exposed and a second direction when the second input mechanism is exposed. The method of claim 18, And further including a first limiting part and a second limiting part respectively defined in each of the first module layer, the second module layer, and the third module layer. And the locking member is in contact with the locking member to allow relative movement of the first module layer in the first direction and to prevent relative movement of the third module layer in the second direction. A portable electronic device, A first module layer movable in a first direction; A second module layer movably connected to the first module layer; A third module layer movably connected to the second module layer and movable in a second direction; First means for enabling a first relative movement between the first module layer and the second module layer in the first direction; And And a second means for enabling a second relative movement between the second module layer and the third module layer in the second direction and simultaneously locking the first means to prevent the first relative sliding movement. Device. The method of claim 20, And said first means locks said second means during said first relative sliding movement to prevent said second relative sliding movement. The method of claim 21, The first means further comprises a longitudinally extending body capable of movably contacting at least one first restriction wall, wherein the longitudinally extending body comprises the first module layer, the second module layer and the Connect to a first selected layer of a third module layer, wherein the first restriction wall is located on at least a second selected layer of the first module layer, the second module layer, and the third module layer. Portable electronic devices. The method of claim 22, The second means further comprises a longitudinally extending body capable of movably contacting at least one second limiting wall, the second limiting wall comprising the first module layer, the second module layer and the first Portable electronic device, characterized in that located on at least the last selected layer of the three module layers. The method of claim 20, The first means includes a pin and a first slot, the pin may connect with a first selected layer of the first module layer, the second module layer, and the third module layer, wherein the first slot is the first slot. Located on at least a second selected layer of the first module layer, the second module layer and the third module layer, the second means is the pin and the first module layer, the second module layer and the third And a second slot positioned on at least a third selected layer of the module layers. The method of claim 20, And a communication module having inputs and outputs for receiving and transmitting wireless signals, respectively. The method of claim 21, The second module layer further includes a first input mechanism that may be exposed when the first module layer moves in the first direction with respect to the second module layer, wherein the third module layer is the third module layer. And a second input mechanism that can be exposed when is moved in the second direction with respect to the second module layer. The method of claim 26, And a display for presenting information to a user, wherein the information has a first direction when the first input mechanism is exposed and a second direction when the second input mechanism is exposed. . A portable electronic device, A first component layer movable in a first direction; Having a first set of functional components, the movement of the first component layer in the first direction being movably connected to the first component layer to expose the first set of functional components to activate a first mode of operation; Second component layer; And having a second set of functional components, movably connected to one of the first component layer and the second component layer, to expose the second set of functional components to the second component layer to activate a second mode of operation. A third component layer movable in a second direction relative to the second component layer; And A locking system having a first engagement position during the first mode of operation and a second engagement position during the second mode of operation; In the first engagement position the locking system is operable to engage the third component layer to prevent the second mode of operation, and in the second engagement position the locking system is engaged with the first component layer to engage the first. A portable electronic device operable to block an operation mode. The method of claim 28, The locking system further comprises a first limiting member, a second limiting member and a third limiting member, each of which may be located in each of the first component layer, the second component layer and the third component layer, The first two of the restriction members in the first engagement position may contact the first remaining restriction member to prevent relative movement in the second direction, and the restriction members in the second engagement position. Wherein the second two are in contact with the second remaining one of the limiting members to prevent relative movement in the first direction. As a communication device, A first module layer movable in a first direction; A second module layer movably connected to the first module layer; A third module layer movably connected to the second module layer and movable in a second direction; A first constrained structure defined for a first layer of the first module layer, the second module layer, and the third module layer; A second constraint structure defined by a second layer of the first module layer, the second module layer, and the third module layer; The body has a body that can be connected to the remaining layer of the first module layer, the second module layer and the third module layer, enable the movement of the first module layer in the first direction and the third module layer Contact with the first confinement structure to prevent movement of the first module layer in the second direction and to prevent movement of the third module layer in the first direction. A locking member contactable with the second limiting structure to prevent movement; And And a display presenting information to a user having a first direction when the first module layer moves in the first direction and having a second direction when the third module layer moves in the second direction. A method of controlling relative movement between movable layers of an electronic device, Movably connecting the first module layer to a second module layer having the first functional component such that relative movement of the first module layer in the first direction exposes the first functional component; Movably connecting the second module layer to the third module layer with the second functional component such that relative movement of the third module layer in a second direction exposes a second functional component; And Preventing movement of the third module layer in the second direction during movement of the first module layer in the first direction. The method of claim 30, Preventing movement of the first module layer in the first direction during movement of the third module layer in the second direction. The method of claim 32, Preventing movement of the third module layer in the second direction during movement of the first module layer may include movably contacting the longitudinally extending body with at least one first restriction wall. The vertically extending body may be connected to a first selected layer of the first module layer, the second module layer, and the third module layer, and the first restriction wall may be connected to the first module layer. And moving the at least second layer selected from among the second module layer and the third module layer. The method of claim 33, wherein Preventing movement of the first module layer in the first direction during movement of the third module layer comprises moving the longitudinally extending body in movably contact with at least one first limiting wall. Further comprising a step, wherein the second confinement wall is located on at least the last selected layer of the first module layer, the second module layer and the third module layer. Control method. The method of claim 32, Outputting information on a display in a first direction when the first input mechanism is exposed and in a second direction when the second input mechanism is exposed, wherein the display comprises the first module layer, the second module; The relative movement control method between the movable layer, characterized in that located on one of the layer and the third module layer. A method of controlling the operation of operating modes of an electronic device, Exposing a first set of functional components associated with a first mode of operation of the electronic device onto a second module layer movably connected to a first module layer; Exposing a second set of functional components associated with a second mode of operation of the electronic device onto a third module layer movably connected to the second module layer; And Preventing exposure of the other of the first set of functional components and the second set of functional components during exposure of one of the first set of functional components and the second set of functional components. The method of claim 36, And displaying information in a predetermined direction according to the operation mode of the electronic device.

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